The synthesis of some lipid-like structures in simulated primeval Earth conditions.

Starting from a simple gas mixture rich in methane, suggested as being a model of the primeval atmosphere for a certain time period, we succeeded in synthesizing lipid-like compounds. The hydrophobic nature of the products was demonstrated by IR, NMR, MS, elementary analysis, gel filtration measurements and solubility tests. The hydrophobic products self-assemble in stable, uniformly sized microspheres possessing membrane-like properties. They can selectively retain biologically active compounds. The wall-membrane of the microspheres shows a supramolecular order.